Newest Warrior has a familiar last name

Published 4:00 am, Monday, February 1, 2010

"I've known Nellie forever," said Karl, who signed a 10-day contract Sunday to become the Warriors' latest of four call-ups from the NBA Development League. "We met a number of times and had dinners together. He's been a great NBA friend."

Karl's father, George, is the current Denver coach and was replaced in Golden State by Nelson in 1988. This reunion, however, has less to do with the longtime family relationship and more to do with how well Karl had been playing for the Idaho Stampede - averaging 27.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists in five games.

"He has knocked on the NBA door a few times, and I think he's ready this time," Nelson said.

"It's fun to see that you are still good at the game," Karl said. "When you're sitting on the bench for half of the year, you sometimes question yourself."

Photo: Sue Ogrocki, AP

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, front, and Golden State guard Coby Karl, rear, chase a loose ball in the third quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010. Oklahoma City won 112-104. less

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, front, and Golden State guard Coby Karl, rear, chase a loose ball in the third quarter of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010. Oklahoma ... more

Photo: Sue Ogrocki, AP

Newest Warrior has a familiar last name

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Karl has seen ups and downs since going undrafted out of Boise State in 2007. He surprised many by making the Lakers later that year, but he was cut at season's end. This season, he averaged 1.7 minutes a game in Cleveland and was released Jan. 6 before his $736,420 salary became guaranteed.

"I haven't gotten an opportunity to get on the floor, but I think this is a unique situation to get on the floor and see what I can do at this level," Karl said.